Long-term hydrochemical monitoring and geothermometry:understanding groundwater salinization and thermal fluid contamination in Mila’s basin,Northeastern Algeria

The regular hydrochemical monitoring of groundwater in the Mila basin over an extended period has provided valuable insights into the origin of dissolved salts and the hydrogeochemical processes controlling water salinization.The data reveals that the shallow Karst aquifer shows an increase in TDS of 162 mg L^(-1) while the ther-mal carbonate aquifer that is also used for drinking water supply exhibits an increase of 178 mg L^(-1).Additionally,significant temperature variations are recorded at the sur-face in the shallow aquifers and the waters are carbo-gaseous.Analysis of dissolved major and minor elements has identified several processes influencing the chemical composition namely:dissolution of evaporitic minerals,reduction of sulphates,congruent and incongruent car-bonates’dissolution,dedolomitization and silicates’weathering.The hydrogeochemical and geothermometric results show a mixing of saline thermal water with recharge water of meteoric origin.Two main geothermalfields have been identified,a partially evolved water reservoir and a water reservoir whosefluid interacts with sulphuric acid(H_(2)S)of magmatic origin.These hot waters that are char-acterized by a strong hydrothermal alteration do ascend through faults and fractures and contribute to the contamination of shallower aquifers.Understanding the geothermometry and the hydrogeochemistry of waters is crucial for managing and protecting the quality of groundwater resources in the Mila basin,in order to ensure sustainable water supply for the region.A conceptual model for groundwater circulation and mineralization acquisition has been established to further enhance under-standing in this regard.

A half-century of radioisotope neutron sources in China

Near 50 years history of the development of radioisotope neutron sources in China is briefly reviewed.The structure design,preparing technology and production status of routine neutron sources including 210Po-Be sources,210Po mock fission sources,241Am-Be sources,238Pu-Be sources,252Cf spontaneous fission sources and other special-shape neutron sources are summarized.In addition,the prospects of development on radioisotope neutron source in China are predicted from the needs of nuclear power construction,oil well-logging,neutron moisture gauge and neutron brachytherapy.

Preparation and biological evaluation of ^(99)Tc^m-labelled fatty acids

The aim of the present work was to develop radiolabelling fatty acids based on 99Tcm carbonyl chemistry for heart imaging. Undecanoic acids functionalised with iminodiacetatic acid and cysteine were radiolabelled with [99Tcm (CO)3(H2O)3]+ intermediates, and their radiolabelling conditions were carefully studied. Biodistribution of 99Tcm (CO)3-CYST FAC11 and 99Tcm (CO)3-IDA FAC11 were observed in normal mice. The results showed that two 99Tcm-labelled compounds had similar profile in terms of high initial radioactivity uptake and rapid washout of radio- tracers in the heart. 99Tcm (CO)3-IDA FAC11 was mainly excreted via hepatobiliary system in contrast to 99Tcm (CO)3-CYST FAC11, which was excreted from urinary system. It may be in part attributed to the more lipophilicity of 99Tcm (CO)3-IDA FAC11 than 99Tcm (CO)3-CYST FAC11.

Low symptomatic COVID-19 in an elderly patient with follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab-based immunotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Follicular lymphoma is an indolent lymphoma that may progress to a highly aggressive form requiring immunochemotherapy.Most regimens utilize rituximab,an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody,which may affect the clinical course of novel coronavirus,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections[coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)].Here we describe the first case of mild COVID-19 during ongoing oncological treatment without significant deterioration after rituximab administration.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old female with an enlargement of her right palatine tonsil was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma following tonsillectomy and started immunochemotherapy according to the rituximab,cyclophosphamide,vincristine,prednisone regimen.At home before the fourth cycle,she developed nonspecific symptoms(excessive fatigue,loss of appetite and nausea),misdiagnosed as adverse effects of chemotherapy.Unexpectedly,interim positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan,performed shortly before rituximab administration,revealed previously nonexistent pulmonary changes,potentially of infectious etiology.SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by a nasopharyngeal swab(with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test)performed the following day.Despite rituximab infusion,the patient remained oligosymptomatic and was discharged home for self-isolation.Having reached a negative SARS-CoV-2 status before the subsequently scheduled regimen,the patient successfully received six cycles of rituximab,cyclophosphamide,vincristine,prednisone and obtained complete remission by positron emission tomographycomputed tomography.CONCLUSION Our case shows that rituximab-based immunotherapy due to follicular lymphoma may have no evident negative effect on the COVID-19 clinical course.